EXCITING SCENE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 33, 16 December 1879, Page 2

EXCITING SCENE.

» The disaster which' was caused by tha breaking of the fine steamer Australia's shaft was attended with great danger. She left Southampton after a thorough refit, with 209 passengers. On the following day a sudden shook was felt, which proved to be the breaking of the main shaft. The vessel was in the midst of dangerous current*. Captain Jordan was new to the steamer, having been promoted from the ship Hydaspes. He endeavored to get the drip's head round, and run into the Channel, but the difficulty was increased by all the crew except seven being Lascars, and two hours were spent in trying to spread the sails. Just when matters commenced to look desperate, the Cunard steamer Trentham Hall observed the steamer, and bore down upou her. A long time was spent in getting a cable attached. By this time the 80a was running high, and the cable snapped several times. A German Lloyd's, steamer passing was signalled, and bore down in such a way as endangered both steamers. She then went away, alleging that her steering gear was out of order. Captain Jordan resolved to sand the Trentham Hall for Government assistance. Lord Napier con-, firmed the necessity, and the frigate Valorous and th» steam tug Trusty were sent out. Meanwhile the Australia had drifted fifty miles and was in a dangerous position be.tween Casket Light and the Guernsey Coast. The Australia anchored in a post tion that night so dangerous that Lord Napier w»3 requested by Captain Jordan to warn the passengers of the peril, and advise them not to go to their berths, but to assemble in the saloon, ready to leavj in the boats at a moment's notice. The order was complied with, and 'he passengers waited in terrible suspense, fully dressed. The passengers were transhipped by the man-of-war's men to the Valorous safely, notwithstanding the high sea. The tug then took the Australia in tow safely to Ply. mouth.